The Best Private Schools in Concord, Nebraska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Concord. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mount Michael Benedictine School
Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha
Mount Michael Benedictine School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. Located approximately 45 minutes from Concord, it offers both day and boarding options with a rigorous academic curriculum emphasizing STEM education, small class sizes, and comprehensive extracurricular programs. The school features modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and technology-enhanced classrooms, with a strong track record of college placements to prestigious universities.
Programs:
St. Paul Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Paul Lutheran School provides Christian education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving the broader northeast Nebraska region including Concord. The school emphasizes faith-based learning with strong academic foundations, individualized attention, and comprehensive programs in music, arts, and athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, the school maintains high parent satisfaction and prepares students well for high school education.
Programs:
Columbus Scotus Central Catholic
Diocese of Lincoln
Columbus Scotus Central Catholic serves students in grades 9-12 with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic traditions. Located within reasonable commuting distance from Concord, the school offers strong academic programs, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, with a proven record of academic excellence and student success in higher education.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Concord, Nebraska
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Concord, Nebraska?
Concord itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The most prominent are Mount Michael Benedictine School (grades 7-12) in Elkhorn, a nationally recognized all-boys Catholic boarding/day school; St. Paul Lutheran School (grades PreK-8) in nearby Concord, offering a Christ-centered education; and Columbus Scotus Central Catholic (grades 7-12) in Columbus, a co-ed Catholic high school. For Concord residents, these schools typically involve a commute, but they represent the core of private, faith-based education in the area.
How does tuition at private schools near Concord, NE, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Nebraska?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. St. Paul Lutheran, as a parish school, generally has the most accessible tuition, often with reduced rates for church members. Mount Michael and Scotus Central Catholic have higher tuition, with Mount Michael's boarding option being a premium. Importantly, Nebraska has the **Opportunity Scholarships Act**, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, increasing financial aid availability for qualifying families. All schools offer their own need-based aid and payment plans, so direct consultation is essential.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Concord area offer that differentiate them?
Schools near Concord offer distinct specializations. **Mount Michael Benedictine** is renowned for its rigorous STEM curriculum, advanced placement courses, and a unique monastic environment with boarding. **Columbus Scotus** provides a comprehensive Catholic education with strong athletics and arts programs. **St. Paul Lutheran** focuses on foundational faith integration and a close-knit, small-school community. For families in Concord, these programs mean choosing between a local, community-focused elementary model or commuting for specialized high school programs with broader extracurricular offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Concord, Nebraska families?
Timelines are school-specific and require early planning. For the fall semester, application windows often open a full year in advance, especially for competitive schools like Mount Michael, which may have entrance exams and interviews. St. Paul Lutheran and Scotus typically have priority enrollment periods for parish members in the early winter (January-February). Open houses are usually held in the fall. Given Concord's rural location, securing transportation arrangements is a critical part of the enrollment process for non-local schools.
For a family in Concord, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school option?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, cost, commute, and community. Concord's public schools are part of a consolidated district (likely Norris or another local district), offering no-cost education, proximity, and comprehensive K-12 continuity. Private options involve tuition and a commute but offer specific values-based education (Catholic or Lutheran), often smaller class sizes, and specialized programs like Mount Michael's advanced academics. The decision often hinges on how much a family values religious integration and specific academic tracks versus the convenience and cost-savings of the local public system.